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7 Insider Secrets to Get a Top Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal
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Literary Agent Directory
Important: Visit each agent’s website (links in their listings below) to see if they’re open to submissions before querying.
Biography
Nikki Terpilowski is a literary agent with Holloway Literary. After achieving a B.A. in English and Marketing, with a minor in creative writing and a graduate degree in nternational relations, Nikki who has been a bookworm from way back decided she wanted to learn more about the publishing industry.She interned in the industry while working in marketing communications and then established Holloway Literary in 2011. You can find her @AWomanReading on Twitter and Instagram discussing her favorite topics: books, wine, beer & whiskey, history, travel and southern living.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Western Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Environment, Food Drink, Gardening, History, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nature, New Age, Nonfiction, TravelCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kristen Terrette is a literary agent with Martin Literary Management. She is a literary manager excited to build her list featuring titles in middle grade, young adult, female-driven crime thrillers, faith-based books, and the occasional picture book with an author/illustrator.She has a BA in Early Childhood Education and MA in Theology and Religious Studies which led her into childrenÕs ministry for many years. Eventually, her lifelong love of books and authors drew her back to her original dream of entering the publishing world. Kristen is a multi-published author and freelance writer. SheÕs held such positions as the Blog Manager for a national womenÕs ministry and the Social Media Manager for a publishing house. All these components landed her a spot in the coveted Writers House Intern Program. There, she received valuable hands-on agenting and publishing experience which she brings into her new position. Kristen has long been a voice for diversity. SheÕs written extensively on topics of racial reconciliation and unity and is a facilitator of groups around these topics in her church. In all her focused genres, she welcomes books with BIPOC or disabled main characters and diverse friendships. She believes books change people in all the best ways and that every child should see themselves in the pages. Middle Grade (All subgenres except Sci-fi): Kristen hearts Middle Grade. She would love to see books tackling themes like abandonment, bullying, loneliness, comparison, divorce, and body image but done so by instilling hope, growth, and healing. Send her the creepy, horrifying, supernatural, fantastical, historical, and contemporary. She is ready to see it all.Young Adult (All subgenres except Sci-fi): KristenÕs background in writing YA and her extensive reading in this genre has given her a great love and understanding of it. Grab her attention within the first couple of pages. Send her books with first loves, unique friendships, interesting and/or challenging family dynamics, and hard-hitting subject matter (race relations, suicide, abuse, divorce, etc.) but leave her with a satisfying (not necessarily happy!) ending.WomenÕs Crime Thriller: Kristen loves a good thriller with a woman main character, so send her the smart, tough, and brave lady crime solvers. If she canÕt figure out whatÕs going to happen next or what the ending will be, youÕve gotten her attention. Faith-Based Fiction and Memoirs: Kristen loves a good redemption or forgiveness story, a historically accurate saga, a clean and beautiful, yet realistic love story, or a memoir that has her crying and laughing within the span of a few pages. Surprise her with the beauty of GodÕs grace. Picture Books with Authors/Illustrators: Picture books are an important part of establishing a love for literature at an early age, though, at this time, Kristen is only looking for authors who are also illustrators. If your work fits these criteria, sheÕd love to see it.Kristen is not a good fit for Science Fiction (even in MG or YA), books with any political agenda, extremely foul-mouthed characters, or gratuitous sex scenes.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, History, Illustrated, Lifestyle, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Psychology, Religion, Spirituality, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult FictionNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Michelle Tessler is a literary agent with the Tessler Literary Agency. Before forming the agency, Michelle Tessler worked at William Morris and the prestigious literary agency Carlisle & Company (now Inkwell Management). She also spent seven years working in content and business development in the Internet industry, beginning in 1994 when she was hired by best-selling author James Gleick to help launch The Pipeline. In light of the digital opportunities that are transforming publishing, Michelle’s experience in the Internet world is of great benefit to her authors, both as they navigate ebook and audio opportunities, and as they look for creative and effective ways to market their books to niche communities that can be targeted online.Michelle is a member of AALA (Association of American Literary Agents), and Women’s Media Group. She regularly attends writing conferences including The Muse & the Marketplace (GrubStreet), Aspen Words, the Kauai Writers Conference, and the Faulkner Festival. She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel
Biography
Stacy Testa is a literary agent with Writers House. She says: “I joined Writers House in 2011 as the assistant to a senior literary agent, and have been building my own client list since 2013. I like to think, though, that my publishing career began as a wee bookworm, when I used to stay up late reading under the covers with a flashlight because I simply couldn’t part ways with a book, even to sleep. In many ways, I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since. There’s truly nothing quite as magical as losing yourself in a great story – when your own wants and needs become entirely secondary to those of the characters and voices on the page. As an agent, I am drawn to projects that do just that: pull me in and refuse to let go. If you think your book fits that bill, I’d love to hear from you.To be more specific, I am seeking literary fiction and upmarket womenÕs fiction, particularly stories with international settings, unique subcultures, historical hooks, magical realism, unusual narrators, and/or strong, empowered women. At the moment, I am particularly (but not exclusively!) looking for uplifting stories that can inspire readers, and serve as an antidote to these troubled times. I think we could all use an escape right now, and what better way to transport yourself to another world, another time, another place, another reality than through a brilliant novel? On the nonfiction side, I am interested in representing memoir, popular science, humor writing, essay collections, narrative nonfiction, history, investigative journalism, true crime, and prescriptive titles with strong platforms. I especially love working with authors who are experts in their fields and helping them to translate that expertise to a trade audience. Broadly speaking, I am drawn to anything with vivid characters, an interest in social justice, an ability to change the way the reader sees the world or to shed light on the human experience, a compelling narrative voice, and/or a great sense of humor. I do not represent children’s books, including YA.As a young(ish) agent with decades of agenting ahead of me, I am looking to develop long-term partnerships with new authors. I intend to work with all of my clients for many, many books to come, and to advocate for and advise them every step of the way. Please know that I am a highly editorial agent, so if you aren’t interested in collaborating on that level, we might not be the best fit. I respect creative autonomy, of course, but I believe it’s important to have an open mind when it comes to editorial feedback.”
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Investigative, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Self-Help, True Crime
Biography
Kate Schafer Testerman is a literary agent with KT Literary Agency. After a dozen years working in publishing in New York City, Kate moved to Colorado and formed kt literary in early 2008, where she concentrates on middle grade and young adult fiction. Bringing to bear the experience of being part of a large agency, she enjoys all aspects of working with her authors, offering hands-on experience, personal service, and a surfeit of optimism.Her clients include Maureen Johnson, Ellen Booraem, Stephanie Perkins, Carrie Harris, Trish Doller, and Matthew Cody, among other exciting and acclaimed authors. Kate is a graduate of the University of DelawareÕs Honors Program, a former cast member of the New York Renaissance Faire, and an avid collector of shoes, bags, children, and dogs. Her interests cover a broad range including contemporary drama, urban fantasy and magical realism, adventure stories, and romantic comedies. She is an active member of the SCBWI and AAR.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Humor Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance, Science FictionNONFICTION: Mind Body Spirit, Nonfiction, True AdventureCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Henry Thayer is a literary agent with Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents. He represents non-fiction on a wide variety of subjects and fiction that inclines toward the literary. He is looking for new, engaging voices and compelling narratives. His wide-ranging interests include American history, popular music, and sports, among others. Query by email preferred.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary FictionNONFICTION: Art, Biography, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, History, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Sports
Biography
Robert Thixton is a literary agent and the co-founder of Pinder Lane & Garon-Brooke Associates.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Sports, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Kelly Thomas is an Associate Literary Agent with Serendipity Literary Agency and a Certified Copy Editor with a bachelorÕs degree in English from Pace University. She is an associate member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA), a member of the New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), Women in Film (WIF), and a member of the Editorial Freelance Association. She co-runs the monthly Ò8 Simple Steps to Writing a Successful Synopsis WebinarÓ and the ÒMake Your Synopsis Stand Out WorkshopÓ alongside Jennifer S. Wilkov through the publishing consulting company Your Book Is Your Hook. Kelly is also a screenwriter with a feature-length film in development. Prior to joining Serendipity Literary Agency, she provided part-time manuscript analysis for the D4EO Literary Agency. She is a panelist for the New York Women in Film & TelevisionÕs (NYWIFT) ÔThe Business of Adaptations PanelÕ program and a trainer for the ÔNext Bestseller Workshops.Õ Kelly has participated in Pitch Slams for writing conferences, including ThrillerFest, Crimebake, Writing Day Workshops, and The WriterÕs Digest Conference. She has sat on ÔAsk the AgentÕ panels for the AWP Conference and Writing BarnÕs ÔCourage to CreateÕ program, and she has participated in the ÔFirst Pages CritiqueÕ panel for the Carnegie Center for Literary, LearningÕs Books-in-Progress Conference and for the Women in Publishing Summit. Kelly has participated in the ÒFirst Ten Lines CritiqueÓ panel for The Hampton Roads WriterÕs Conference where she also taught classes on synopsis writing and character development. Kelly is a published poet with publications in Tales for the Disenchanted (2008) and Penumbra Art & Literature (2015). She has served as an editor for the literary arts magazine Pen & Brush and as a writing coach for the academic consulting company Brattlestreet.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Education, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Travel, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Jennifer Thompson is a literary agent and a partner with the Nordlyset Literary Agency. Jennifer Thompson has been in book publishing since 1998 and has deep expertise in global publishing through her work with some of the most respected names in the industry including Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Maria Campbell Associates, and Perseus Books. Jennifer aims to provide opportunities for voices that need amplification. She looks for books that explore a deeper understanding of human psychology, societal structures, world history, and human interactions and motivations whether by academics writing for a trade audience, experts writing sophisticated self-help, or literary novelists and essayists using art and deep insight to explore the human condition.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary FictionNONFICTION: Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Education, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Nonfiction, Psychology, Self-Help
Biography
Meg Thompson is the founder of the Thompson Literary Agency. She grew up in Lubbock, TX and moved to NY to attend New York University, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude with a degree in British and American Literature. She started in publishing in 2002, working closely with President Bill Clinton in his Harlem office as a researcher and fact checker on his memoirs, My Life. She then joined LJK Literary Management, LLC in 2005. She worked at LJK for six years, before founding her own agency with Susanna Einstein, the Einstein Thompson Agency. After three successful years at ETA, Meg decided to launch her own agency, Thompson Literary LLC. Her clients include NY Times bestselling authors Lisa Leake, Ken Denmead, Kelle Hampton, Tom Hart, Gabrielle Blair, and Jeremy Rifkin, NY Times and New Yorker essayist Tim Kreider, Daily Rituals author Mason Currey, memoirists Anna Marie Tendler, Banning Lyon, and Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, author of the Gypset series and NY Times Style reporter Julia Chaplin, New Yorker cartoonist and essayist Emily Flake, designer Ayse Birsel, Octopus! author, NPR, and Scientific America journalist Katherine Harmon Courage, NPR Science reporter Nell Greenfieldboyce, Missy LeHand biographer Kathryn Smith, Global Managing Director, Strategic Partnerships and Lead Benefit Auctioneer at ChristieÕs Auction House, Lydia Fenet, womenÕs rights activists Maria Toorpakai, Tanya Selvaratnam, and former President of Planned Parenthood Cecile Richards, LGBTQ+ activists Ash&Chess and Bunny Michael, among others. She is interested in biography, memoir, music, popular science, politics, social justice, cookbooks, sports, health and wellness, spirituality, fashion, art, design, adult art books, popular culture, and anything that advances our cultural and social dialogue to a more elevated level. Meg is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA).
Notes
NONFICTION: Animals, Art, Beauty Fashion Style, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Computers, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel
Biography
Teffanie Thompson is an assistant agent at Falkin Literary. Originally from Texas, Teffanie Thompson (she/her) attended Prairie View A & M University and graduated from Excelsior University. She obtained her graduate degrees from the acclaimed Writing Popular Fiction program at Seton Hill University. Teffanie has over two decades of experience working with writers in various roles including mentoring, sensitivity reading, critiquing, and editing.She is also an author. Teffanie is a contributor in Like Sunshine After Rain (Raw Dog Screaming Press), When I Go Outside, I Go Inside (MMH Press), pictureless books, and Many Genres One Craft (Headlines Book, Inc.). Teffanie attended the 2018 Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival in Dubai, UAE. In 2016, her magical realism middle-grade novel, DIRT (Brown Girl Books), won an African American Literary Award at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York Public Library. She is currently writing a non-fiction blog series detailing her expat experiences on the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia.Teffanie dreams to see more diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in genre fiction. She wants to represent authors who write for young adult, new adult, and adult audiences. Today, her favorite reads are Xenogenesis Series, The Hunger Games, The Alchemist, and The Giver. If asked tomorrow, this list will probably change.Outside her fiction addiction, she embraces the joy of spinning hula hoops. Teffanie is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She resides in Texas with her food justice advocate husband.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
John Thorn is an affiliate agent with the Thompson Literary Agency. John Thorn brings to TLA more than four decades in the book industry, as a publisher, author, and literary representative. He is the Official Historian of Major League Baseball. Apart from his creation, with Pete Palmer, of the fondly recalled encyclopedia Total Baseball, he is often visible on ESPN, The History Channel, and other television outlets. He was also a major on-screen presence in and chief consultant to Ken Burns’s PBS documentary, Baseball. He has served as curatorial consultant and literary representative to the Museum of the City of New York, for whom he created New York 400, and currently works with the National Museum of American Jewish History and Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is interested in sports projects, of course, and historical nonfiction of all sorts.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Historical FictionNONFICTION: History, Nonfiction, Sports
Biography
John Thornton is a literary agent with The Spieler Agency. John has been with the Spieler Agency since 1994, after a thirty-year career as an editor, publishing executive and editorial director of the Book-of-the-Month Club. Though he does not handle fiction projects, his nonfiction tastes are eclectic. They fall along two axes: excellent writing and high-quality subject matter. Of late his clients have written on topics such as memoir (Richard Lischer, Stations of the Heart, recollections of losing a beloved adult child), biography (Phillip Schewe, Maverick Genius, a life of Freeman Dyson), natural history (Richard Conniff, The Species Seekers, a history of manÕs searches to record life on Earth; a history of YaleÕs Peabody Museum of Natural History, forthcoming), social issues (Ira Rosofsky, Nasty, Brutish, and Long, a psychologistÕs memoir of life in the eldercare business), consumer guidebooks (Carol Levine, Long-Term Care for DummiesÑsheÕs a MacArthur Fellow), history (Thomas Madden, Venice: A New History; a history of Istanbul, forthcoming), belles lettres (Susan Cahill, The Hidden Gardens of Paris), spirituality (Heidi Neumark, Breathing Space, her two decades of pastoring in the South Bronx; a memoir of her newly discovered German-Jewish heritage, Googling Moses, forthcoming), cultural history (George Cotkin, Dive Deeper: Journeys with Moby-Dick), among various others.
Notes
NONFICTION: Biography, Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, History, How-To, Memoir, Money Finance, Nature, Nonfiction, Psychology, Reference, Spirituality
Biography
Sydnie Thornton is a literary agent with Word One Literary. A native Memphian, Sydnie majored in English Literature at Rhodes College. Every summer, she escaped the Memphis heat to intern at various NYC agencies and eventually joined Irene Goodman Literary Agency in 2021. SheÕs thrilled to move to Word One Literary and excited about its future. When her eyes get blurry from reading manuscripts, she likes to go explore all the seasonal activities and endless pastry shops in the city.Sydnie is interested in YA across all genres: fantasy, historical fiction, contemporary that leans literary, as well as thrillers with upmarket qualities and distinctive characterization. As for the adult side, Sydnie is actively looking for transportive, complex historical fiction and whimsical contemporary fantasy. Regardless of genre, sheÕs very likely to connect with manuscripts that bridge the YA/Adult divide. SheÕs also committed to amplifying the voices of disabled creators.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Fitness, Health Wellness, History, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jessie Thorsted is a literary agent with InkWell Management. She joined InkWell Management in 2017 and is a member of the foreign rights team, after working for three years in royalties and accounting. She earned her BA in English Literature with a minor in Art History from Arizona State University and her MA in English from Northern Arizona University. Before coming to InkWell, Jessie interned at Liza Dawson Associates and worked for Strand Book Store. She enjoys reading young adult literature, romance, suspense, and mysteries.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Anne Tibbets is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. She joined DMLA in 2021, and was previously at D4EO Literary Agency. She represents adult and young adult commercial genre, primarily thrillers, mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and historical womenÕs fiction. A screenwriter and published author, Anne lives in the Los Angeles area and has a BA in Theatre Arts from California State University, Fullerton.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Madeline Ticknor is a literary assistant with Janklow & Nesbit Associates. She began her agenting career in 2018 as an intern at Curtis Brown, and soon after began working as an assistant at the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency where she worked with award-winning authors including Carl Safina, Nancy Springer, Sarai Walker, and Bonnie Kistler, and more. In 2021, she joined Writers House as an agent associate and began building her own list. Authors she worked with at Writers House include Jonathan Franzen, Rachel Kushner, Imbolo Mbue, William T. Vollmann, Tim Murphy, Vauhini Vara, Sanjena Sathian, and many more.In 2022 Madeline joined Janklow & Nesbit Associates and is actively building her own list of literary and commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction while also assisting PJ Mark and his authors. She’s looking for fiction that bridges the gap between commercial and literary, upmarket thrillers and grounded speculative stories that explore the ideas of family and home, and queer stories that subvert or interrogate the concept of “binary.”A graduate of Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, Madeline now lives in Brooklyn.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Technology
Ann Tobias
A Literary Agency for Children’s BooksAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Postal MailBiography
Ann Tobias is a literary agent with A Literary Agency for Children’s Books. Ann started out as an editor at Harper and Row under the legendary Ursula Nordstrom. She later freelanced for Harper, Morrow, Crown, Dial, and other publishers; spent some years full time at Greenwillow Books and a year at Scholastic; then moved to Washington, DC, where she founded Ann Tobias, A Literary Agency.
Notes
NONFICTION: Nonfiction, ReferenceCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Chris Tomasino is a literary agent with the Tomasino Agency. Chris has been agenting since 1975, when she joined RLR Associates, Ltd and developed their literary division. Her clients have ranged from Civil War historian and novelist Shelby Foote to former baseball manager and MLB executive Joe Torre, from talented international book packagers Labyrinth Publishing and Carroll & Brown to diverse corporate clients Angel Records and The PGA. She is as comfortable with commercial fiction as she is with highly produced full color books; with the unconventional and best-selling Anti-Coloring Books as she is with translating the online wedding resource, The Knot, into a book franchise. She shepherded Sarah Ban Breathnach’s ground-breaking Simple Abundance (2 1/2 years on the NY Times bestseller list) and its follow-ups through the publishing process. Ever ahead of the trends, she was in on the boon in young adult fiction series in the 1970’s and 1980’s, the cookbook and lifestyle rage in the 1980’s, and the blossoming of spirituality and esoterica in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Having started her own, boutique-sized agency in 2000, she is best known for representing popular non-fiction books particularly in the areas of memoir, self-help and women’s issues, and tapping into the newest theories in health, science and spirituality which are supported by impeccable research and scholarship. She is on the faculty of the M.A./M.F.A. in Creative Writing program at Wilkes University.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Religious Fiction, Sports FictionNONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, Illustrated, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Psychology, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Travel, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Amy Tompkins is a literary agent at the Transatlantic Agency. She has worked in publishing since 2002 and has been with the Transatlantic Agency since 2007. She represents childrenÕs authors, adult authors, select illustrators, and is the international rights agent for Islandport Press. Amy is a graduate of the Publishing Program at Ryerson University, and has an MA in English Language and Literature. She is the Secretary of PACLA (the Professional Association of Canadian Literary Agents), and teaches in the Creative Book Publishing Program at Humber College in Toronto.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Science FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Kathryn Toolan is a literary agent with Park, Fine & Brower Literary Management. She joined Park & Fine (now Park, Fine & Brower) in November 2021, and represents authors in all categories, although she has a penchant for non-fiction that leaves her thinking about the world in a new way. As an international rights agent she negotiates publishing agreements outside of the United States for the agency. An all-around licensing enthusiast with a keen eye for numbers, she is committed to building strong relationships both home & abroad for PFLM clients. She began her career working for Dalkey Archive Press in her native Ireland before moving to New York in 2014 to work at Grove Atlantic, and then Archipelago Books. A former bartender and sometimes standup comedian, she is now on a mission to get a tattoo in every city she visits.She holds a B.A. in English and Economics from University College Dublin and before joining the agency was with the rights department of Simon & Schuster. She lives in Queens.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General FictionNONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture
Biography
Georgia Tournay-Godfrey is a literary agent at the The Bright Agency. Georgia is all about ideasÑfinding them, shaping them and connecting them with the right creative teams.As an agent working across picture books, preschool, nonfiction and middle grade, she thrives on collaboration, helping illustrators and writers refine their work and push their storytelling further. With a keen eye for what makes a project special, she loves working closely with artists to bring out the best in their work.Fascinated by the way words and images interactÑand how a slight shift in pacing or composition can transform a storyÑGeorgia is a natural problem solver. She enjoys untangling tricky narratives, sparking fresh ideas and helping creatives navigate the publishing world with confidence.She is also a firm believer that childrenÕs books and publishing as a whole should reflect the world in all its diversity. Georgia is committed to championing underrepresented voices and making space for stories that havenÕt been told yet while always keeping an eye on what will truly connect with young readers.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book
Biography
Nicole Tourtelot is a literary agent with The Gernert Company. Originally from Los Angeles, Nicole graduated from Columbia University and worked in journalism before transitioning to publishing. She started her agenting career in 2009 at International Creative Management in New York and went on to work as an agent at Kuhn Projects (now Aevitas Creative Management) and then at DeFiore and Company Literary Management. Her eclectic list of narrative and prescriptive nonfiction reflects her many interests, including food, lifestyle, advice, pop culture, and memoir. She joined The Gernert Company in 2020 and works out of the LA office.
Notes
NONFICTION: Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Self-Help
Suzie Townsend
New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc.Accepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Suzie Townsend is a literary agent with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. Prior to joining New Leaf, Suzie graduated film school, earned her Masters of Education, taught high school English, and coached a swim team. In her spare time, she read everything she could, which prompted her move to publishing. She got her start as an intern at FinePrint Literary Management where she was hired as an assistant before making the move to literary agent. SheÕs been part of the team at New Leaf Literary & Media since its inception in 2012.Suzie represents all brands of childrenÕs and adult fiction. She loves womenÕs fiction, all subgenres of romance, fantasy, and crime fiction. On the childrenÕs side, she particularly loves YA and MG. Suzie loves strong characters and voice-driven stories that break out of the typical tropes of their genres, and sheÕs always looking for unique new voices in stories.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Mattie Townson is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. She joined Dystel, Goderich & Bourret as Jane DystelÕs assistant in spring of 2024. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Mattie spent most of her childhood barefoot, leafing through a book in her backyard. When her mom started taking her on weekly library trips at the age of three, Mattie discovered the other-worldly joy of picking up a good book. Mattie is a graduate of the KingÕs College where she earned her bachelorÕs degree in journalism with a concentration in arts and culture. During her senior year, she was an editorial intern for Penguin Random HouseÕs Crown imprint and the summer after graduating, she completed the Columbia Publishing Course. Her literary interests include upmarket fiction, womenÕs fiction, book club fiction, and narrative nonfiction. When she isnÕt reading, you can often find her chatting about pop culture with friends, trying new restaurants, or crocheting next to her cat.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture
Biography
Timothy Travaglini is a literary agent at the Transatlantic Agency. Since 1994, Timothy Travaglini has worked in trade marketing for Scholastic, Inc.; been a bookseller for Books of Wonder, an all-childrenÕs bookstore in New York City; and has edited for Henry Holt and Company, Walker & Company, G. P. PutnamÕs Sons, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group, and Open Road Integrated Media where he was the director of childrenÕs acquisitions.Books he has acquired and edited have been, among other things, #1 New York Times bestsellers, a Washington Post Best ChildrenÕs Book of the Year, Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner, Scott OÕDell Award for Historical Fiction winner, have been made into an award-winning musical, made into an award-winning animated television show (currently on Netflix), and traveled on board the International Space Station. He has edited, published, and now represents artists and authors who either previously won, or have gone on to win, nearly every award and honor under the sun. He has edited an American Library AssociationÕs 10 Most Frequently Challenged book as well as a Christianity Today Book Award for Fiction winner.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Satire, Science FictionNONFICTION: Architecture, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Environment, General Nonfiction, Government, Memoir, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Technology, TravelCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Scott Treimel is a literary agent with the Scott Treimel New York Agency. Scott sells and administers intellectual property rightsÑprint, electronic, audio, foreign, dramatic, film, composition, broadcast, merchandise, promotion– for childrens’ book creators. Interests include musing, pondering, dictating, delivery, theater, not musicals, champagne, and weekends in the country. Favorite Books Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass. One adult book I love is LIBRA (De Lillo). Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials triologyÑmaybe the best thing pub’d in our lifetime.
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FICTION: Fiction, New Adult FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction